As we enter the Lenten Triodion, Bp. Irineos reflects on the Parable of the Publican and the Pharisee and particularly on how pride can separate us from God and prevent us from truly repenting of our sins. Drawing upon the teachings of the saints, we seek the humble heart of the publican and the endurance to take accusations as healing medicine for our ailing souls.

On Zacchaeus Sunday, Bp. Irineos compares the Gospel account of Zacchaeus with the preceding account of the healing of the blind man, and examines the role of "the crowd" in both readings. As we begin to prepare for Great Lent, Bp. Irineos encourages us to raise ourselves above the "crowd" and push back against the cares of the world and the detractors who tempt us during this season.

While visiting a prospective mission community in DeKalb County, Alabama, Bp. Irineos reflects on the calling of the Orthodox in North America to evangelize not just those in ethnic communities or large cities, but in the small towns and rural areas as well.

On the Sunday after Nativity, Bp. Irineos discusses the Gospel reading of Christ's flight to Egypt. Looking at the commentary of the Church Fathers, he contrasts light and darkness as it relates to the reading today.

On the Feast of the Nativity of Our Lord in the Flesh, Bp. Irineos considers how the nativity is bound up both in creation and salvation, and, drawing upon the thoughts of St. Athanasius the Great in his seminal work "On the Incarnation" reflects upon the loving gift of salvation given to us through the Incarnation of Christ.

Who are the Holy Forefathers? Why do we remember them? How are the relevant to us today? Bp. Irineos tackles these questions while looking at the Gospel reading from today.

Reflecting on the Gospel account of Christ healing the blind man as he is walking to Jericho, Bp. Irineos ponders how our own use of idle time deprives us of healing communion with God each day. Echoing the Epistle, he urges us to redeem the time, and boldly allow our faith to shine forth and keep us ever in the gaze of Christ.

What if we had only one sin keeping us from eternal life? Would we immediately repent of it and make a metanoia for the salvation of our souls? Or would we cling to it, sorrowing of the idea of ever letting go, even at the cost of our own salvation? In today's Gospel, we hear of a man so beholden to riches, that he chooses money over eternal life. Bp. Irineos discusses the reading and asks for the mercy of God on each of us to let go of those things that may condemn us, no matter how dear we hold them.

The holy Theotokos is certainly the most exalted and sanctified vessel in all of God's creation. She became the gate by which God entered in to be with His people. As we celebrate the Feast of her Entry into the Temple, it is worthy to reflect upon how this time was a preparation for her anointed bearing of Christ. Bp. Irineos discusses her care and preparation and how this relates to our preparation for the coming Incarnation of our Lord

In Paul's epistle to the Galatians, he testifies to the direct revelation of the Gospel to him by Christ. While this reading is a great proof of the apostleship of Paul, it is also a reminder to each of us that we too are meant to encounter God directly. Bp. Irineos discusses how Paul's direct experience of Christ is a prototype for us all.